Ben and Tanith withdrew from US Nationals today due to the injury Ben sufferd to his back at the Grand Prix Final. The announcement is on icenetwork.com
I think as long as Ben is healthy and they have enough time to train, they will get it. The main issue will be Ben's health, the federation rushed Michelle Kwan back onto the ice for Torino and she wound up reinjuring herself on the first practice. I don't think they want to make the same mistake.
I think there's little doubt that they will get a bye. D/W and B/A together are the only shot the US has to get 3 spots to Olys. The question is if Ben will be ready to compete.
B/A do seem to be losing favor with the international judges while D/W and S/B are gaining favor. It wouldn't surprise me if Tanith and Ben weren't the highest-finishing US team at Worlds.
So disappointing for them. I'm sure they had high hopes of being able to show their 'stuff' at 'home' in the US.
So many injuries this season, no?
That said - "chaos" brings opportunities. Obviously, real chance for Davis/White to show how they can compete as now, the de facto favorites. Will shift the focus of attention as well, somewhat, to the incredibly dense "pack" that follows them. Broadens the 'chance' for a team to be "on the podium" with all the perceived benefits that that can bring... to confidence, visibility, etc.
Oh, this just really makes me sad. I always enjoy watching Tanith and Ben and admire their dedication so much. I hope Ben recovers fully and quickly and that this injury doesn't become chronic or something that will flare up to bother him from time to time. Get well soon, Ben!
I'm so sorry to hear this. Best wishes to Ben for a full and speedy recovery. I'm glad he's taking the time to heal completely. Rushing back would not be good for long term health.
It will be very strange for them not to be at Nationals. I'm quite sure they will get the bye. They sure have earned it, imo.
Noooo...
I was so afraid that this would happen! But I have so much trust in them, they will recover and show to the whole world what they can achieve! It's not over yet...
ITA. I'd be astounded if they didn't get the bye. Looking at what they've accomplished this season results-wise (even if they didn't win a GP), they won two silvers and qualified for the GPF with the highest points total. If they are capable of skating at the level (or close to) we've come to expect from them, I am fairly confident they'll be in Los Angeles.
Isn't Ben's back a bit of an ongoing problem? I remember B/A having to withdraw from GPF in what, 2006 because he had an issue with his back (or some kind of injury).